More to come!

We had a great weekend! Filled with NCAA basketball, a wonderful night out on Friday with my hubby's parents at Roux (which I highly recommend) and some good old family time.

Saturday my MIL and I went to check out a few new shops on Williams. Ink and Peat, Speiworks, and Hipcooks. Ink and peat, is just a little taste of heaven! Her flowers are fresh and creative, but she doesn't only do that good she also stocks her store with clever little finds. I can't wait to go back. Last night my MIL (mother in law) and I cracked open a bottle of champers and enjoyed some sea salt carmels from Ink and Peat while watching Twilight. Hmmm not a huge fan of the movie, but it was still fun.

I also finished this today for my sister!

It inspired me to do a give a way! Make sure you check back soon, not sure what it will be yet but I picked up some great fabric (see below) a few weekends ago and this pattern.

oil cloth

Check back soon! There is more to come!

Too Cute Ink Spot!

A few weeks ago I stumbled apon this adorable blog called Ink Spot. Yes, the blog is very cute, but you need to check out her Etsy shop! Her designs are awesome and she has a whole dog line too. I want to order D a personalized set of notecards and I think they would be a good Mothers Day gift for a few ladies I know :) Typically on Thursday's she highlights some great finds from Etsy, I love seeing what she comes up with.

This crafty lady was doing a giveaway for some of her new dog items, and I WON! I seem to be lucky in blogland, but definitely not winning any lotteries here folks!

A little dog background

For those of you who know me...you know how petrified of dogs I was until we got our boxer Ripley (we didn't name her). I was going to lose the "lets get a dog battle" with Brandon so I figured why not get one that I will like. Ripley was one of many dogs at a little po-dunk home in Bend, and when we met her she didn't lick me or jump on me! SOLD! We'll take her. She was so sweet, looked a little under nourished and definitely not brushed! So we headed to Pet smart on our way home and hooked the girl up!

Now, a few weeks into this whole dog thing...i was starting to figure out that you talk to dogs like they are people and love them, etc. (yep, didn't grow up with pets). And while we were out for a walk, a worm fell out of her b*tt! I told B, time to give the dog back! I mean what if a worm falls out on our floor at home? Then it burrows into our foot and we get worms (not sure if thats possible, but you get where my mind was going). Anyway, she is still with us and is the greatest dog.

Crazy pic! I had to share! Tank is my friend Tami's dog.

Looking all good on Christmas Morning!

March of Tools- Updated with Links

You may have noticed the cute button on the Left side that says March of Tools. Heather Bailey runs a series during March in which she shares all the tools that are valuable in her life. So here's me..."ohh cute button" hmm maybe I'll sign up. Not sure what it means, but I would like that cute button. Well I think what it means is you share your favorite tools with your readers...Exciting stuff folks!
* update: I purchase alot of my kitchen "tools" at Crate and Barrel and Sur la Table. Check out their gadget walls, you can find awesome stuff that doesn't cost much! Another great place to get recession friendly "tools" is at Home goods! LOVE THAT PLACE!*

March on my readers, below are my favorite kitchen tools!


Salt Cellar and EVOO bottle (Fred Meyers). The thing I love is the salt is so easy to get to, and if your really into cooking you can put a different salt on top or pepper! The EVOO container is awesome, I use it so much in cooking it comes out at just the right speed.

Mini Whisk If you don't have a mini whisk...get one. Just trust me on this one! They are the best ever for cooking!

Magnetic Measuring spoons...6 words...Why didn't I think of that!

Measuring bowls

These work millions times better than measuring cups. I love them!

Is this a tool or gadget? Well, whichever its pricless and at 3.00 you can't ask for more! Dripless wine pour, I buy them as gifts, give them away etc...they are fabulous!

Thanks for viewing, now I feel like I can legitimately have the cute button on the Left :)

Something to smile about

Lately Davis has been liking the camera. We have an older camera that doesn't work that he found and he likes to walk around and say cheese and act like he is taking pictures. Kinda nice that now when I ask him to smile or say cheese he will actually stop (most times) to do so. He hasn't quite figured out what to exactly with his eyes.

Thought I would share a few cute moments I was able to capture.

Trying hard to say cheese and smile...

No, its not crazy hair day at school

Mid clap

Davis's first day at church

Loungin' enjoying a good read

Goooo Ducks! HA!

Stash

One of the reasons I started this blog was to be able to put some of my sewing goodies on some of the fabulous sewing/fabric blogs out there....especially this blog. After the Gingham theme she had this past September, she took a hiatus. I anxiously checked back often to see if a new theme had been posted. Much to my surprise she posted this past month and said she would announce a new theme March 1st but wanted suggestions.

I suggested a scrap apron theme, you use your leftover fabric. This is good on the fabric cupboard and good on the wallet.

I won! She picked my theme. I can't wait to see the Vintage apron she sends...plus she lives in PORTLAND! Holla!

So friends....this is the time! Enter an apron, take a sewing class, or do whatever it takes to get moving. This is going to be fun!

What a week! (long post)

Losing a loved one is never easy, in my lifetime I've lost Great Grandparents, friends, acquaintances, and now my grandfather. Death at any point is not an easy thing to deal with, but I guess as far as family losses go (for me) its been at a time when someone was old/fragile or even 104 years old (props Ella!)...nothing quite prepares you for a Grandparent. My Grandfather passed just about a week ago, he was such a strong/confident/fun man. He valued family more than I believe most do and always made it a priority even when he was busy with the family business. I feel so grateful for having him in my life and a big part at that...family vacations, weekend dinners, holidays, quick visits, trips to college to visit, wow! The list could go on. I think it hit me yesterday when I came home and saw his picture on the fridge....I wouldn't get that one more memory with him....heart breaking. So to all of you out there who have loved and lost, I'm sorry. Someone said to me the other day (before he passed) you can take two paths after you've been touched by a death of a loved one.....move on and become a better person or struggle and never get through it. I know you know which I choose.

I haven't had much time to sit still this past week, hence no blogging....but yesterday was a different story....GIRLS DAY! I've met some wonderful women this past year and each month we clear our schedules to get together. We have such a great time, and all of us are unique and individual which is what makes these friendships so invaluable.

First stop was JoBar which is owned by Papa Hydn so you know its going to be good. Next stop was Moonstruck for a bite of chocolate and then on to get the nails did.

I know, I was scared too at first by her outfit not because it didn't match but I thought she was wearing tights with a dress and flashing me...

Tiffany's dog LuLu, isn't she the cutest!

Off to grab some Champers (champagne) and a few apps at Bar Mingo. If you like Cafe Mingo you will love their new bar. Its very chic.

I've had a few nights to sit still, well sort of. At least I got some sewing done on an apron for my aunt. Just a few more finishes and it will be done...right in time for our cooking class on Thursday.

Davis is into everything these days, he loves playing in "his" cupboard...Yes, that's his little leg sticking out of there :)

My sister showing D how to ride a scooter

Thats it for today...did you know today is National Margarita day? I didn't either, but we are having family dinner tonight (my side) and figured we would have a Mexican theme and Margaritas. No, I'm not a lush :)

I Heart U

I decided to finish these fun Valentines Day projects before I surrender to the 3rd book in the Twilight series. It was a nice break, and like anything I just needed a few days free to break the addiction. I'm all better now, that is until I start it this weekend :)


I found this great website, and I love how she has wonderful tutorials for the many things I enjoy making. On there I found the tutorial for these banners. Davis is sending these out to his favorite Valentines in the family, sorry for the sneak peek all of you.

The best part is, they are fast, and you don't have to sew!

I'm trying to figure out if I have time to try these for Davis's teachers?! Most likely I'll settle on chocolates, but aren't they so cute!